Hi,

Have family living by Lake Gregory. Rimoftheworld.net was a great resource
for tracking. My family made out OK, glad you did also. My sister's old
home by Green Valley lake was destroyed though.

J

"jo4hn" wrote in message
...
We are now officially back home after having been under forced evacuation
since October 22, due to a particularly nasty forest fire which was
encouraged by high winds. Our home was spared but 105 buildings (out of 7
or 800 total) in our village were not. Green Valley Lake with a
population of about 300 made the national news. Never a good way to gain
notoriety.

Shortly before 8 am on that Monday, we noticed a smoky smell even with the
winds blowing strongly. By 10 am, most of us full time residents were on
our way down the mountain to stay with friends, family, or hotels. When
one lives in the sticks, one has the evacuation plan memorized. Margaret
invented what she calls the “Cs”: cats, computer, clothes (including the
dirty clothes hamper), cars, and the chest of vital papers. These are all
bundled into a car and a truck. Once safely in temporary quarters, we
monitor progress of the fire and keep in touch with neighbors via
www.rimoftheworld.net.

It was gratifying that few of our friends lost homes and there were offers
of help for those who did. One particularly sad note was the loss of our
town hardware/lumber store. We will work together to put the town back
together starting with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting dinner and fund
raiser. And the Old Farts Club will meet on Monday at 7 am at the Lake
Inn to drink coffee, tell lies, and figure out who may need help.

mahalo,
jo4hn

to Lew Hodgett - saw your posting and appreciate your concern